UAV-Augmented Smart Grid Mesh Network Self-Healing

The transformer monitoring device is designed to perform multiple functions: it monitors transformer equipment status, collects metering data, and serves as a mesh network node for wireless communication. By integrating these functions into a single device, the system reduces the need for separate infrastructure components, thereby improving data collection capability while managing deployment complexity in resource-constrained environments.

UAVs serve as mobile intermediary nodes that temporarily join the mesh network to access geographically dispersed smart grid hardware in difficult-to-reach locations. The UAV acts as a flying collector that can position itself near remote transformers and meters, establishing temporary wireless connections to collect data and transmit it to the central system, thereby extending network coverage without requiring permanent infrastructure deployment.

The transceiver, transmitter, and antenna components are integrated into a single transformer monitoring device unit. By combining these wireless communication components with the monitoring and data collection functions in one integrated device, the system achieves reliable wireless communication capability while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to deploying separate communication and monitoring devices.

The mesh network implements self-healing capabilities where individual nodes automatically detect communication failures and dynamically reroute data through alternative paths without requiring central control or manual intervention. Each transformer monitoring device and UAV node maintains local routing information and can independently adapt to network changes, providing robust fault tolerance while keeping computational requirements distributed and manageable across the network.